Book

Ricks, Thomas E., author.

First principles : what our first four presidents learned from the Greeks and Romans, and how that shaped early America / by Thomas E. Ricks.

[New York, NY] : Harper, [2020]

xxiv, 386 pages ; 24 cm

Examines how the educations of America's first four presidents, and in particular their scholarly devotion to ancient Greek and Roman classics, informed the beliefs and ideals that shaped the nation's constitution and government.

Washington, George, 1732-1799 -- Philosophy.

Adams, John, 1735-1826 -- Philosophy.

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826 -- Philosophy.

Madison, James, 1751-1836 -- Philosophy.

Political science -- United States -- History -- 18th century.

Classicism -- United States -- History -- 18th century.

Political science -- United States -- History -- 18th century.

Classical literature -- Influence.

Classicism -- United States -- History -- 18th century.

Philosophy, Ancient -- Influence.

Presidents -- United States -- Knowledge and learning.

United States -- Civilization -- Classical influences.

United States -- Civilization -- Classical influences.

United States -- Politics and government -- Philosophy.

United States -- Civilization -- Philosophy.

Biographies.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

The power of colonial classicism -- Washington studies how to rise in colonial society -- John Adams aims to become an American Cicero -- Jefferson blooms at William & Mary -- Madison breaks away to Princeton -- Adams and the fuse of rebellion -- Jefferson's declaration of the "American mind" -- Washington: the noblest Roman of them all -- The war strains the classical model -- From a difficult war to an uneasy peace -- Madison and the Constitution: balancing vice with vice -- The Classical vision smashes into American reality -- The revolution of 1800: the people, not the plebes -- The end of American classicism -- Epilogue: what we can do.

0062997459

9780062997456

1140702784

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874518

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973.099 Ricks